Menswear is hottt!

These past few days have been all about L'Uomo in Milan, showcasing Spring / Summer 2012 Menswear collections. Next on the road is Paris. It's remarkable how the fashion industry is particularly dominated by womenswear leaving menswear highly underestimated. Which is a pity, since I've always had a fondness for menswear's nonchalance, simplicity and effortless style it usually exudes. Wanted to grab this opportunity to share with you some of the looks that made my heart flutter.

Giorgio Armani

 Love this camo raincoat from Dsquared2

 It's all about bright colors and accessories at Versace

 English rock on the runway at Alexander McQueen. I would take it straight out of the runway - menswear or not...

 D&G relives the classic foulard print, making it street-proof with a hint of denim

 Vivienne Westwood's vision on the World Wide Man

Louis Vuitton backstage at the Paris fashionshow

Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris

Greek gods, sculpted by Nicola Formichetti at Mugler, Paris

Isn't it super duper fly that menswear is becoming hot and sexy?! Exuberant prints, bright colors and accessories to match feels like a fresh wind of comic creativity and innovation. And I'm so excited that some of these items would totally go on my wishlist!

Love,
FSHNvanguard


Backstage images: Courtesy of Sonny Vandevelde
Fashion show photo's: Courtesy of Style.com

Donatella said yes!

"For me this is an opportunity to show to the very very big audience, the fans of H&M, what Versace has been and what Versace is now. I want to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments, which are not exaclty always the past, but also the present" - Donatella Versace

Finally, H&M is collaborating with Versace on a diffusion line for the Swedish chain, expected to hit stores worldwide on the 17th of November. The collection consists of 40 women's and 20 men's items, including accessories, all featuring a healthy dose of Versace Glamboyance.

Unlike previous times, Versace and H&M have lifted a corner of the proverbial veil so we can have a peak at what to expect in a few months. The tone had already been set when Donatella appeared in a sexy black leather, gold studded Versace for H&M dress yesterday at the end of the Versace men's Spring/Summer 2012 show in Milan. Here's a little sneak peek of what to expect this november (photos: Courtesy of Elle)

    

The collection is a hand-picked compilation of iconic Versace pieces, from the past as well as the present, portraying the glamorous, colorful character of Versace, ideal for the winter holiday season. In addition to a winter collection, Versace will collaborate with H&M on a pre-spring mini-collection expected to hit stores the 19th of January 2012, and some items for H&M's interior line.

Check out this video announcement featuring both Margareta van den Bosch of H&M and Donatella Versace about the upcoming collab. Oh and... pay special attention to the dress Donatella is wearing somewhere near the end of the video!

What really got me wondering is how H&M managed to conquer Donatella's heart. H&M has attempted numerous times to persuade Donatella to do a diffusion line for H&M, but the former repeatedly denied, arguing that putting a Versace label next to an H&M one would confuse the brand. All we know for now is that H&M has won this game of pursuit. And boy are we happy about it!

Love,

FSHNvanguard

Video: VERSACE for H&M: Announcement EPK by Stateofstylechannel on Youtube

Renaissance fashion

This week was the 8th edition of Pitti W, part of Pitti Immagine, the international fashion and lifestyle fair held twice a year in Florence. Pitti W is dedicated to special innovative projects in women's fashion, and this season's special guest was Rodarte. The Mulleavy sisters were invited to create an exclusive site-specific installation, showcasing their fascination for Florence, the Renaissance, and Fra Angelico's frescoes.

The collection consists of ten gowns, each with a long skirt falling to the ground, a silhouette familiar from the classical arts. Matter of factly, the sisters' dresses were inspired by their study of art history, and religious art in specific.

The installation was setup in a seemingly deteriorated and abandoned storefront in Florence, containing a series of chambers where the gowns are displayed with neon constellations. Illustrating the almost religious experience of the collection, four gowns were equipped with gold metal belts and golden sunburst crowns, inspired by Bernini's Ecstacy of St. Teresa.

What a shame that the dresses won't adorn the body of a breathing woman, but instead are all destined for the LA County Museum of Art's permanent collection. Then again, maybe in a few centuries, people will be standing in front of Rodarte's gowns in a similar state of awe as they do in front of Florence's Renaissance masterpieces.

Love,

FSHNvanguard


Photos: Autumn de Wilde/ Courstesy of Rodarte

Keith Haring is hot!

 Don't you just love when at the most unexpected moments and places you spot a remarkable work of art. This happened to me a few months ago when I was in the wonderful Seoul, South Korea. Strolling down the little alleys in the bustling Hongdae, all of a sudden a Keith Haring interpretation caught my eye. Just made me realise how much of a connecting  force art can be! Haring's art has exceeded his initial intention of creating art that is truly public, and has become a fusion of art and livestyle. And guess what? Fashion loves Keith Haring!

Nicholas Kirkwood x Keith Haring Capsule Collection
 

Find these at the brand new Nicholas Kirkwood boutique in the London Mount Street. Ow, and prices start at 300 pounds...just sayin'. 

House of Field's look on Keith Haring

Jeremy Scott for Adidas x Keith Haring

And don't forget to complete your outfit with these Keith Haring WAH Nails

Love,

FSHNvanguard

P.s.: Notice the blog's new look;)